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Following in the Family Footsteps

For Immediate Release

Following in the Family Footsteps

Julian Van Winkle Named Industry Pioneer

Franklin County, Kentucky -Like father, like son, like grandson, so goes the story of the Van Winkle family and their legacy in the bourbon industry. On Monday, November 8, Malt Advocate Magazine named Julian P. Van Winkle III "Pioneer of the Year" at WhiskyFest in New York City , honoring over 100 years of bourbon-making experience.

From the days of Pappy to present, the Van Winkle's have been pushing the envelope with their "wheated" recipe bourbons and aging techniques. Currently Julian is overseeing the production of the Van Winkle product line at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Included in this line are the much celebrated Pappy Van Winkle 15, 20 and 23 year old bourbons, some of the oldest in the industry.

"I love the idea of doing things that have never been done before. Pappy 23 year old is a perfect example. With most bourbon being around 10 years of age, to push a barrel to 23 years and still have a quality product is a true challenge," said Julian Van Winkle. "It is a great honor to have those efforts recognized especially, by an industry voice like Malt Advocate," Van Winkle continued.

Also keeping the family tradition alive is Julian's son, Preston , the fourth generation of Van Winkle's to enter the whiskey trade. For more information on the history of Van Winkle Bourbons and a listing of the entire Van Winkle product line visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com or www.greatbourbon.com.

Van Winkle History

An ambitious young salesman named Pappy Van Winkle joined W.L. Weller and Sons near the turn of the century. In addition to being both secretary and treasurer, Pappy eventually became the president, a title he held for 31 years. With his philosophy, integrity and passion for quality, Pappy was a driving force behind the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Pappy always said, "We make fine bourbon. At a profit if we can. At a loss if we must, but always fine bourbon." Today, W.L. Weller and Van Winkle are both produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery.